Jud Dunlevy’s 51 yard field goal as time expired propelled the Virginia Tech JV football team to a come from behind 17-16 victory over Hargrave Military Academy on Friday afternoon.
The game was close for the entire 48 minutes. The Hokies took the lead early on a Billy Gorham one yard touchdown run. The Tech offense was given great field position following a Hargrave fumble on their own 29 yard line.
Hargrave would answer on their ensuing possession when Virginia Tech recruiting target Keiland Williams scored on an eight yard touchdown run. The Lafayette, LA native lived up to his billing against the Tech defense, carrying the ball 16 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Hargrave would extend their lead on the next Virginia Tech possession. After the Hokies went three and out, the Tigers blocked Tech’s punt, and Darrius Massenburg scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown. Hargrave missed the extra point and would take a 13-7 lead into halftime. That extra point would become critical later in the game.
Quarterback Grant Throckmorton would get the Hokie offense going in the second half. In the third quarter he hit r-freshman wide receiver Jeremy Gilchrist on a 52 yard fade pattern for a touchdown. Following the extra point, the Hokies retook the lead by the score of 14-13.
It was not the only time Throckmorton and Gilchrist hooked up through the air. Throckmorton picked apart the Tiger defense all day long, going 14 of 21 for 226 yards and a touchdown. Gilchrist was the most impressive skill position player for Tech, catching five passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Gilchrist also saw limited playing time at cornerback during the game.
Hargrave would add a field goal later in the second half to take the lead 16-14. The Hokies got the ball back, but failed to score after Dunlevy missed wide right on a 52 yard field goal attempt. Hargrave got the ball back and ran three consecutive running plays, and then punted. The punt went off the side of the punter’s foot, traveling only 11 yards past the line of scrimmage. The Hokies took over on the Tiger 39 yard line with four seconds remaining.
Throckmorton took the snap and heaved a hail mary in the direction of wide receiver Chris Clifton, but it was incomplete. It appeared that Hargrave would escape with the victory, but a defensive lineman jumped offsides before the snap, and the Hokies got five yards and another play with no time left.
With the ball on the 34 yard line, JV coach Steve DeMasi decided to give Dunlevy another chance. This time Dunlevy responded, nailing the 51 yard kick with room to spare.
Virginia Tech’s next JV game will be Friday, November 10 at 1pm. The Hokies will take on Fork Union Military Academy in Lane Stadium.
Tech Sideline is Presented By: